SYSTEM OF A DOWN - BIFFY CLYRO - AEROSMITH announced as Download 2017 Headliners

SYSTEM OF A DOWN * BIFFY CLYRO * AEROSMITH ANNOUNCED AS 2017 DOWNLOAD HEADLINERS

SLAYER, ROB ZOMBIE, PROPHETS OF RAGE, FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH, AFI,

OF MICE & MEN, SLEEPING WITH SIRENS, MOTIONLESS IN WHITE,

SIMPLE PLAN, EVERY TIME I DIE, THE STORY SO FAR,

AND FOZZY ALSO JOIN THE INCREDIBLE BILL

Download Festival,the world’s premier rock and metal event has announced System of a Down, Biffy Clyro and Aerosmithas its 2017 headliners, as well as twelve of the world’s most exciting bands in rock, pop punk, hardcore and metal. The three day festival takes place on 9 - 11 June 2017 at the spiritual home of rock in Donington Park, Leicestershire. Tickets are on sale now at downloadfestival.co.uk/tickets.

Alt rock / metal favourites System of a Down make a welcomed return to headline Download Festival for the third time onFriday 9 June. Always putting on a live performance of epic proportions, the dynamos behind some of the biggest selling metal hits of all time; Toxicity, Chop Suey, B.Y.O.B and Aerials will open the show with their unique blend of disjointed hardcore metal.

Speaking about their return to Download, System of a Down said:

"It’ll have been a couple of years since our memorable Wake Up The Souls show at Wembley, so returning to the UK to headline Download, a festival we always love to play, is really exciting for us. The energy and atmosphere there is always electric.”

The current unstoppable rock force that is Biffy Clyro will step up for their Download headline debut on Saturday 10 June, bringing their full-throttle stadium-sized show to Donington Park. Havingscored their second Number 1 album with Ellipsis in 2016, the band are embracing stratospheric success built on a foundation of huge hits such as Wolves Of Winter, Bubbles, Mountains and many more. Biffy Clyro have arrived and Download is theirs for the taking.

Classic rock powerhouse Aerosmith make their spectacular return to headline the Main Stage on Sunday 11 June, in what will be their only UK appearance of 2017. After consistently proving they are one of the best bands in the world, Steven Tyler, Joe Perry, Joey Kramer, Tom Hamilton, and Brad Whitfordwill close the festival weekend with style and panache as they rip through Dude (Looks Like a Lady), Walk This Way,Don’t Want to Miss a Thing and more.

Joe Perry of Aerosmith said:

"Every time we go on tour I look at the schedule for cities, towns or events that I look forward to playing. Download Festival is always one of the ones I circle. Donington is like home to us. I have some great memories playing there and I can't wait to make some more."

For 35 years Californian thrash giants Slayer have rampaged through the metal world. The genre defining band set the bar for all that followed and are still unmatched with their ferocious brand of infernal aggressive riffs, pounding drums and face melting solos. As well as being masters of darkness, Slayer are masters of their craft and remain as vital as ever. Download 2017 will see these metal royalty legends make a memorable return to Donington, having last performed there in 2007.

Horror rock legend Rob Zombie will turn Download into his trademark twisted carnival with stomp-laden classic and new tracks. With massive hits such as Dragula, Superbeast and Living Dead Girl, both dedicated fans and the uninitiated are in for one hell of a ride when ‘King Astro Creep’ and his monstrous outfit take to the stage.

Also confirmed for the Download line up are the mighty Prophets of Rage. The funk-metal rap elite task force brings together members of Rage Against the Machine, Public Enemy and Cypress Hill. Having only formed this year, the Download crowd will be captivated by the most exciting debut on the line up, as the revolutionary musicians take to the stage to ‘take the power back’.

Alt rock / Punk legends AFI have garnered more than a cult following through 25 years of hard graft. The wildly successful Californian four-piece behind the era defining Miss Murder will be making their debut Download Festival appearance in 2017.

Five Finger Death Punch will tear Download apart with their colossal sound on their fifth appearance at Donington, whilst Orange Country metalcore behemoths Of Mice & Men make their first Download Festival appearance. Joining them areFozzy, who, led by WWE Superstar Chris Jericho will be bringing punching riffs and huge choruses to the hallowed grounds.

Southern rockers Every Time I Die will hit the Download stage for a third time. Chaotic and grandiose, the hardcore Buffalo natives will bring a set laden with ferociousness and immediacy that is not to be missed. Sleeping With Sirens, the Floridian five-piece who combine melodic vocals with rock sensibilities are set to make the crowd go wild with their infectious anthems. Horror-metal favourites, Motionless in White also join the Download 2017 line up.

Pop punk veterans Simple Plan make a return to Download with their hugely upbeat hits, meanwhile it’ll be fist pumps, posi jumps and stage dives aplenty as pop punk heroes The Story So Far make their Download Festival debut.

Download Festival’s Promoter, Andy Copping said:

“We’re incredibly excited to announce the Download 2017 headliners. We have three giants of rock and metal topping the bill. As always, Download fans can expect world class performances across the weekend. You won’t want to miss a thing.

System of a Down made headline history back in 2011 and 2017 will no doubt see them bigger and better than ever. Saturday’s headliner, Biffy Clyro, have raised the bar for rock music – we’re always looking for bands to make their Download headline debut, and I have no doubt they’ll be worthy of the title. I’m delighted the mighty Aerosmith will be back, and their closing set will be something truly special. The band has a long history with Donington, and having them headline for us again is a real honour.”

Download Festival is the home of rock music and takes place on the sacred grounds of Donington Park, which have been associated with rock since the eighties. The festival attracts icons of rock and metal to its main stage, plus some of the best and hottest new acts in the world. AC/DC, KISS, Metallica, Black Sabbath, Guns N’ Roses, Rage Against The Machine, Slipknot, Linkin Park and many more have all headlined its main stage.

Extras including parking and lockers can be purchased during the booking process or as a standalone after you’ve purchased your ticket. Limited edition Download 2017 Zippo lighters will also be available to purchase alongside your festival ticket.Zippo Windproof Lighters have become the ultimate accessory for making a bold statement in music and are the perfect way to show your appreciation for your favourite band; with a classic Encore moment. Backed by its famous lifetime guarantee, a Zippo is a lighter for life.